Ashford EDG March 2025 Minutes
Ashford Economic Development Group – March 2025 minutes
Susan Bonett (SB)
Jo Brown (JB)
Nettie Buss (AB) (Chair)
Maria Callow (MC)
Lee Collette (LC)
Katie Hodson (KH)
James McComas (JM)
Andrew Osborne (AO)
Tudor Price (TP)
Jason Rainbird (JR)
Tom Shaw-Dunn (TS-D)
Tim Sheppard (TS)
BUSINESS OF THE MEETING
EUROSTAR UPDATE
AO updated on the potential of using Bombardier site on Beaver Lane, Ashford as an alternative to Temple Mills. It has capacity but it might be too far, conversations are ongoing. AO mentioned the KMEP is seeking a meeting with the Minister for Rail.
TS-D mentioned a recent BBC feature that cited 50 seats are taken at peak times for passengers travelling from Ashford to St Pancras to access Eurostar. AO added anything over 35 seats should still be is a viable option.
AO shared the ABC Bring Back Eurostar video campaign had been launched. TP will explore the idea of instigating a PR campaign to run alongside the ABC campaign.
DEVOLUTION
AO mentioned the initial thoughts around potential three unitary authorities and potential four connotations to sit beneath that. It was agreed to make an agenda item for the May meeting.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
AB mentioned Katie Lam MP had set up a Farmers Club and a Business Club. SB requested an agenda item for the next meeting to discuss DfE 6% cut to national skills budgets and its potential impact of 1000s adults not being able to upskill – the metric is not clear. TP mentioned the chamber will be issuing a statement about the closure of Park Mall.
JM mentioned issues with SE Water, TP will look into if there is a water consultant to discuss further. TP mentioned the Skills 25 event was a great success and that the University of Kent Business Summit will be on 18th May.
